The Ten Most Universal and Iconic Purse Styles

Most women, if asked, will admit that they feel naked without a purse; but which are the most classic, iconic, and universally worn purse styles? Here is a list of the ten most universal and iconic purse styles that have emerged over the years.

Little Classic Clutch

The little classic clutch is as common and known among women as the powder compact we each have stowed inside it. Whether sequined, mesh or satin the little classic clutch is a must for formal evening wear; it's small, light, hand-held and elegant.

Wallet Clutch

The wallet clutch is slightly thinner than the standard clutch and usually has a zip or snap closure. As you can tell by its name, the wallet clutch looks like a wallet; but unlike the classic little clutch, the wallet clutch is a touch more casual.

Boho Chic Slouch Bag or Satchel

The boho chic slouch or satchel bag is a casual wear must if you tend to carry a lot of items around with you and can't seem to find a big enough bag.

The slouch bag looks just like it sounds; it's basically just a standard purse with a large slouchy/baggy body and a hand or shoulder strap (most typically a shoulder strap), and most often made of leather or suede.

The satchel can take almost any shape from barrel, to square, or sometimes bowling bag shape. The boho chic satchel bag is typically made of leather or suede.

Organizer Bag

The organizer bag is a slightly more fashionable take off on the briefcase, offering women multiple compartments and zipper pockets for easy access storage. This style of bag is perfect for a student or woman on the go who frequently has to have documents with her as well as her bevy of personal items.

Coin Purse

The coin purse is one of my favorites; albeit completely impractical for its function. Remember those little coin purses you had as a little girl made of slouchy cloth with a gold or silver snap closure at the top, and literally would only hold change and maybe a couple dollars? Yep, now you got it; that's exactly the kind of purse I'm talking about, completely impractical for an adult woman because they only hold a few dollars and maybe a lipstick if you're lucky. But they are oh so cool; they remind me of the 30's era which is probably why I love these little bags so much.

Though the coin purse is traditionally small, some designers over the years have created somewhat larger coin purses inspired by the traditional style, some even featuring a shoulder strap for convenience. The coin purse can be found in beaded, satin, or velvet styles and is wonderfully suited to casual and formal wear.

Tote Bag

The classic tote bag is fairly large and built for carrying a good bit; it's square or rectangular and comes with handles for shoulder or hand carrying. The tote is offered in several types of fabric/material and is appropriate for casual or semi-formal attire depending on design.

Handbag

A handbag is simply a general reference to a purse which does not contain a shoulder strap. A handbag for the most part, is smaller than the standard purse, but over the last five years with the general increase in purse size, handbags have also gotten larger.

Shoulder Bag

A shoulder bag is a purse which contains a shoulder strap; this is the most common form of purse and is perfect for casual and formal occasions, depending on the style and design of the purse.

Barrel Style

Has a cylindrical shape and is typically made of leather; it usually contains a shoulder strap as well as handles.

Messenger Bag

The messenger bag is a bag that was created out of necessity; it was primarily seen on bicycle messengers until the fashion industry saw a market for it. The messenger bag seen on bicycle messengers is not typically what you'll find in clothing and accessory stores, the two have differing body styles. The messenger bag that you're probably most familiar with is the rectangular bag with a fold over flap and long shoulder strap which can either be worn over one shoulder or across the body.

This bag is perfect for the student, traveler, mom on-the-go, and really for just about anyone who is out and about in casual attire.

Conclusion

A girl can't go wrong with any one of these universal and iconic purse styles; you may want to build on your collection so that you have one of each.

I would also encourage any woman to check out the green eco-friendly bag options. One of my favorite high-end green bag designers right now is Nahui Ollin whose candy wrapper bags were featured on Gossip Girl and worn by several celebrities. There are some great affordable knock offs of the Nahui Ollin candy wrapper style bags on Ecoist.com (check out the M&M's collection), some are available for as low as $24.

Whether you ultimately go green or not, if you choose from any of these ten most universal and iconic purse styles you will always look classic and effortlessly fashionable.

Related Sites:
Nahui Ollin
Ecoist